Entries in Universal
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Remember when I was considering banning Harry Potter? The character has seeped into every crack in our lives. We hear magic games being played upstairs behind locked doors. Who said you could lock that door?? We have the books on-hand and open at any possible reading moment. And one of our twins has started saying "quite" every possible moment. Like, "I'm quite sure".

Well, I didn't ban Harry - not really, but we are "taking a break" for now which is fine because...

The BEST RIDE EVER: The Forbidden Journey

The Forbidden Journey is one part ride, one part visual experience (like IMAX), and one part animatronics coming at you.

It's incredible and better than any roller coaster I've ever been on!

I don't have photos from on the ride because you really need to check all your goods into a locker. No really, check it. You'll be happier not worrying about it and enjoy the ride much more. And you want your full attention to enjoy this ride!

Now, even though there is a line, you will thoroughly enjoy the cue where you wind around the castle visiting with the portraits that come to life

visiting with Dumbledore in his office

and finally catching up with Harry, Ron and Hermione before the mission

Tips for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Look for the small fountain in the center area for rinsing out your mug of Butterbeer or bottle of Pumpkin Juice.

Chocolate Frogs at Honeydukes make great teacher gifts and buy a few packages of Bertie Botts because I can't find them anywhere now!

Head straight there when you first get into the part because they issue tickets just to get into the Wizarding World area! Or, you can try waiting and going later in the day around 4 or 5.

If you have an Express Pass for the parks it won't work yet for the Harry Potter rides. Check and see when that will change.

Magical Memories with Harry

Harry Potter taps into so many things that excite a child: magic, secrets, and the fight between good and evil. Universal Orlando has really brought Harry Potter to life and made it something our whole family could enjoy. And now every kid in the 2nd grade class at our elementary school is asking their parents to take them to the place that has vomit flavored jelly beans. No joke!

Disclosure: I received free park passes and express passes for our family as a guest of Universal Orlando. We also received a gift bag filled with things to keep our memories alive. All opinions expressed here are my own and we were truly awed by the park and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This post was neither reviewed nor approved prior to being published. My kids have not stopped talking about Universal Orlando since we got home.